Tuesday, February 24, 2009

To give favors or not that is the question? You are not required to give your guests gifts, however if done correctly they can be a special thank you. According to many articles I’ve researched it is possible that the little gifts have been given out for centuries. The French used to call the small and fancy boxes they handed out at weddings bonboniere. The bonboniere was made from gold, porcelain or crystal and for those wealthy enough; they were encrusted with precious gems and stones. Bonbonieres were made to hold bonbons or other sweet treats and were considered delicacies because of the high price of sugar. One of the things the gift of wedding favors do have in common with most cultures, is the tradition of giving five candies to represent the 5 wishes for all happy couples. These wishes are longevity, fertility, happiness wealth and health.

This does not mean you have to give sweets as the favor. Many brides and grooms are giving other gifts that reflect their personality or match the colors/theme of the wedding. I found that some donate to a cause and give out the donation cards instead. I have found really updated and unique favor ideas on www.myweddingfavors.com / www.theknot.com / www.beau-coup.com .

What ever your choice is to give favors or not, be sure to keep in mind:· Budget (items get costly). If giving something expensive try giving them out to each couple. · When having an outdoor summer wedding chocolate is not a good idea.· Package your favor so your guests can easily take it home. · You can personalize little boxes with monogram stickers and wedding color ribbons.· How will you display your favor, at each place setting? Separate table? What ever the case is make sure that your guest realize it is a favor that they can take.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Believe it or not, Auburn can be a busy town especially during the summer months. That said it is important to make plans and reservations for your out of town guests, sooner rather than later. I’ve compiled information regarding two of the hotels that the Monte Verde Inn recommends. By reserving a block of rooms you will get a guaranteed price on the rooms and the hotel will try and keep your guests located in one area of the hotel. Both hotels will allow 25 rooms blocked at a time. Your guests will call them for a reservation and give your name for the discounted rate and a credit card number to hold the room. For rooms that don’t get booked 30 days prior to your event, the rooms are put back into general reservation, and are subject to a price increase.

My first recommendation is the Holiday Inn, located right off I80 at the 49/Grass Valley Hwy exit. This is hotel will offer the most amenities and is the nicest out all the Auburn hotels. The hotel just got a facelift with new beds, linens, curtains and plasma TVs. They offer room service, pool, gym, restaurant and a on-site lounge. May 15 – Oct 15 is their high season and block rates are from $129.00 to $133.00 per night for a King room/$133.00 to $138.00 per night for two double beds. During the other months, it’s about $10.00 less. This hotel has a honeymoon suite called the “Executive Suite” that has an executive king, separate sitting area, double walk-in shower and separate Jacuzzi tub. They tell me if you booked out all 25 rooms, the hotel will give the Bride & Groom a complimentary “honeymoon suite”! The hotel is walking distance to old & downtown Auburn. The hotel has a lounge that is open until 10:00 pm however; they will stay open longer if guests are there. For reservations you need to cal Karen with Group Sales and tell them you are getting married at the Monte Verde Inn.530-887-8787 / www.auburnhi.com

Another good option is the Best Western Golden Key, located off the same exit on your way to the Monte Verde Inn. It is towards the left of Raley’s on Lincoln Ave. This hotel is a bit less expensive, but has a pool, hot tub, picnic area and free continental breakfast. It is located next to a couple of restaurants and is all around clean and comfortable hotel. High season for Best Western is June – September and block rates are from $95.00 - $125.00 per night depending on the room type as well as the time of year. For all Brides & Grooms who stay with them, they offer a complimentary bottle of Sparkling Wine and Fruit Basket. For reservations call Cindy 530-885-8611 www.bestwesterngoldenkey.com

Lastly, I recommend dropping off a day before your guests check in a small greeting basket or bag. You could include things like bottled waters, fruit, energy bars, chocolate and/or wine. This little gift is a nice gesture and welcome. Be sure to include an itinerary for their stay especially if they have to be at a rehearsal, lunch or other pre-wedding events. Also, you may suggest things to do in the area your local hotel can help guide you with addresses of golf, wineries, shopping and restaurants in the area.

I hope this is helpful and please do not hesitate to ask questions right on this blog to start new topics that others may want to know about!

Monday, February 9, 2009

There has been a lot of questions about planning appointment when, what and how this happens. I’ve created a check off list for brides & grooms about their personal planning appointments. Remember that appointments can be scarce during high wedding season, but we can accommodate during weekdays & weekday evenings. Please call the Inn to schedule an appointment. If you can not attend a meeting in person, we can also plan over the phone.

Usually people are ready for an appointment 6-2 months prior to their wedding date. Read below our “Check-Off’ list to see if you’re ready to successfully plan!

1. Have your planning packet & questions.2. Have vendor information ready: Names, phone numbers and email addresses, arrival times, etc. Make sure to give your vendors the appropriate vendor requirements information (see back of planning packet).3. What time is your wedding going to start? We have provided a suggested start time calendar in your planning packet, however you can check out http://www.weather.com/ and put in our zip code or city (95631 or Foresthill) in the search bar.4. Be able to give an estimated count of how many guests you think are going to attend the wedding5. If you will be reserving the Inn overnight and if so how many guests?6. Review all forms in the planning packet as we will be filling out and signing these forms: Food and Beverage (if thinking about a plated dinner, we will go over the appropriate starch and vegetable that may or may not be in the Menu), Cake Design, Flower Arrangements, Rehearsal/Ceremony Logistics and Set Up sheet7. Bring any and all inspiration pictures of your wedding such as bridesmaid’s dresses, cake, flowers and colors ideas. You can find some great inspirational photos by linking to http://www.theknot.com/ .8. White linens are standard to our packages, however at the planning meeting we can order colored linens at an additional fee (wholesale + 21%), check out samples a head of time at http://www.creativecoverings.com/ .9. Have an idea what times work for you and your rehearsal10. I strongly suggest assigned seating at weddings and we can discuss seating arrangements and any questions you may have

Monday, February 2, 2009

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day on Saturday. The warm weather brought all of our 2009 clients to the Inn for a day of fun and food. The annual Open House brought excited new brides and grooms as well as a few parents and friends to start the planning process of their upcoming weddings at the Monte Verde Inn. The day’s events began for our clients with a picture in SJDJ’s new Photo Booth. This new and upcoming trend was well received by all. After all of our guest found their way into the ballroom, “Joe” the DJ started us out with a hilarious game of the “Soon-To-Be” Newlywed game. The winner received a free Photo Booth for their wedding from SJDJ. The runners up received a Monte Verde gift basket with fun goodies for our soon to be wedded couples.

Soon after, the sun porch was filled with delicious samplings from both our Cinderella and Princess menus. The samplings included several appetizers, salads, entrees and accompaniments. The tasting would not be complete until the chocolate fountain flowed and cake was served. The platter of cake presented had 7 different flavors, filling and coverings. We also had a chance to present our wines, sparkling wines and signature drinks.

I just want to say to our 2009 clients’ thank you for a successful Open House and I look forward to planning and performing your special day. Moreover, thank you to our preferred vendors for attending and giving our client an opportunity to have a stress free “one-stop” shopping day.